Adoption creates supportive, loving families

Each year, the Department of Human Services Adoption Unit completes approximately 100 adoptions. There are many children and teens in Colorado who are waiting for a family. Children and teens waiting for adoption share a lot of common ground with any child or teen you may know.

The Colorado Heart Gallery offers information about the children in Colorado looking for a family. Some information about El Paso County Children is below. Based on the belief that every child needs a safe, nurturing, and caring family, the El Paso County Department of Human Services and others are strongly committed to finding permanent homes for waiting children. For more information or questions, please email the El Paso County Adoption Unit at adoption@elpasoco.com.

Several Children in El Paso County are Waiting for a Family

Meet Braydan!

Braydan is a very intelligent kid. He really likes to ride his bike and play outdoors. Braydan has a good sense of humor and is thoughtful. Braydan longs to be included. He is smart, helpful, and loving. He likes to feel needed and intelligent. Braydan collects Pokémon cards and enjoys playing other card/board games.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

A photo of Gabriella “Gabby” (age 13) who is seeking her forever home.

Meet Gabby!

Gabriella “Gabby” (age 13) is a sweet, quirky, intelligent, curious, and creative teen. She loves to be outdoors exploring in nature. Her interests include being active, animals, plants, crocheting, and crafting. Gabby isn’t a huge fan of school but does really well.

Gabby hopes to find a forever home that has animals, likes the outdoors, and has lots of fun!

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Jaedin!

Jaedin is 16 years old. He loves to play with his toys and listen to sing-along songs. Jaedin enjoys being outside, especially camping and swimming. He likes to have the company of other children and dogs.

An involved, supportive, and attentive family who loves him for who he is would provide the best home for Jaedin. His current foster mother would like to continue to be a support for Jaedin once he is adopted.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Jason!

Jason is a kind and likeable young boy with a great sense of humor! Jason is very intelligent and his favorite subjects are math and science. When he is not doing his schoolwork, Jason is quite the gamer and enjoys spending time on the computer, playing Roblox, and building LEGOs.

Jason has openly voiced his desire to be part of a family and is eager to find his forever home.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Josiah's Waiting Children PhotoMeet Josiah!

Josiah is 14 years old. He enjoys being active and outside. He likes to walk around the park or swing. Josiah loves the show SpongeBob!

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Mario and Manuel

Mario Back and Manuel front are both sweet, kind, and respectful boys. They have interest in video games, Legos, outdoor activities, and Nerf guns. They can be a bit shy at first, but are goofy and curious; they love to ask questions and learn new things. They are very close and love their shared time together, but have fun personalities individually.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Rain!

Rain (they/them), age 15, loves hanging out with their friends, JROTC, skateboarding, poetry, reading, and writing. They love Dutch Bros, beef Ramen, uncrustables, and sushi. They are an animal lover, but cats are their favorite. They love playing guitar. Their favorite fictional character is Rick from Rick and Morty. Superpower of choice would be to read minds. They want to join the Air Force and go to school and become a published poetry writer. They would love to live in Texas and own a truck someday. They are spiritual, not religious. They are honest, outgoing, and willing to try new things.

They are looking for a forever home with a single-female or lesbian couple.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Richard!

Richard is an active 13-year-old male. His greatest source of pride and achievement surrounds football. Richard is very honest once comfortable and loves music and McDonalds. Richard enjoys the use of humor and connects to others through this. He is often viewed as a leader and influencer by his peers. Richard is headstrong and determined which lends itself well to his goal of playing college football. Richard responds well to those who are patient but persistent with him when it pertains to his ability to open up and be vulnerable.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Israel!

Israel is sweet and empathetic 12-year-old male. He enjoys playing on the computer, playing instruments, and art. He is very skilled in artistic endeavors and drawing. Israel is able to demonstrate profound insight into his needs and the needs of others. He acts as a source of encouragement and positivity to those around him. He gets along well with most others and is well-mannered. Israel responds well to a loving and strength-based approach to life’s challenges.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet River!

River is a, 15 year old child. He would like to be placed with a family where he would have older siblings. River is interested in going to Veterinary school or the military. He is interested in Greek mythology, non-fiction books about animals, watching anime and other cartoons, hiking, camping, fishing, biking and swimming.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Meet Xane!

Xane (age 9) enjoys playing piano & trumpet, swimming, playing Minecraft and board games. Xane is musically gifted and is interested in learning to play additional instruments.

Xane would do best in a two parent household with no younger children. If there are pets, Xane would do best if his contact was monitored.

Xane would do best in a structured home with a routine that he can become familiar with.

He would also do best with a family that is comfortable with higher educational, social, emotional, and developmental needs.

Xane is still expanding his food preferences and what he is comfortable eating. He would benefit from a family who is easy going when it comes to meals and food preferences.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in adoption. How can I get started?

El Paso County’s Department of Human Services contracts with Child Placement Agencies (CPAs) in the area for adoptive homes as well as foster care and group home care. For more information please contact the CPA directly. All are listed on the Foster Care webpage.

My adopted child is asking questions about his/her biological parents. How can we get in touch with them?

If your child was adopted through El Paso County Department of Human Services, we may be able to assist in locating biological parents. We often receive and send messages back and forth between adoptive and biological parents. If your child was adopted elsewhere, we have a packet of materials we can send you that may assist in locating biological parents. You can also inquire through the Colorado Confidential Intermediary Program.

If I have had guardianship of my grandchild, how do I pursue adoption?

In El Paso County, there is a clinic held at the courthouse (270 S. Tejon St.) once a month that you can attend to learn how to proceed on your own in the adoption process. This clinic will give you information regarding required paperwork and the process to adopt. There is also a self-help room on the first floor of the courthouse. Another option is to consult with an attorney to assist in the process. The only adoptions that the Department of Human Services completes are those that have an open service case (not Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/TANF cases) within the Department.

How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?

In general you may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate by writing or visiting the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where you were born. There are a few online resources for information: National Center for Health Statistics or Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. Costs, requirements and processes vary. If you were born in El Paso County, the number for Vital Records is (719) 575-8492. The Birth & Death portion of the Public Health Department website provides some information.

More Information About Adoption